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Mattel unveils plans for KPop Demon Hunters dolls after film's success

Jan 27, 2026, 4:31 PM20
(Update: Jan 28, 2026, 11:32 AM)
American multinational toy and entertainment company

Mattel unveils plans for KPop Demon Hunters dolls after film's success

  • KPop Demon Hunters, an animated film, garnered over 518 million views and became Netflix's biggest movie of 2025.
  • Mattel plans to launch a new line of dolls based on the film's characters in summer 2026, after missing the previous holiday shopping season.
  • The toy line aims to capitalize on the film's success and sustain its popularity in the market.
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In the United States, the animated film KPop Demon Hunters achieved remarkable success upon its release on June 20, 2025. With over 518 million views, it became Netflix's most-watched movie of 2025 and the second most-streamed film in the platform's history. The film features a girl band, Huntr/x, composed of characters Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, who secretly act as demon hunters while performing as a pop group. This unique blend of K-pop music and an engaging storyline captivated audiences, contributing to its global chart success and extensive media coverage. Consequently, Mattel recognized the film's widespread appeal and announced plans for a series of toys to coincide with the film's popularity, which they initially missed during the holiday season. The new doll line, including singing versions of the main characters, is set for release in summer 2026. The growing interest in the franchise reflects the industry's strategy to utilize merchandise to extend the lifespan of successful intellectual properties, a strategy that proved effective with other blockbuster films. As Mattel seeks to further tap into the franchise's evergreen potential, they announced various collections planned for release throughout the year, indicating a long-term investment in KPop Demon Hunters. Alongside this, Netflix has ambitious plans for the franchise's future, including a sequel projected for a 2029 release.

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